Distributor-mixer-extractor of fluids and associated process

Abstract

Device (DME) or panel for collecting, distributing, mixing or drawing off several fluids, at least one main fluid and at least two secondary fluids, that comprises at least: means for collecting a main fluid ( 3, 9 ), at least two injection and/or draw-off rails ( 6, 7 ) that allow the passage of secondary fluids, at least two mixing chambers ( 11, 11 b ) that communicate with injection and/or draw-off rails ( 6, 7 ) with orifices or passages ( 6 i , 7 i ), means ( 12, 4 ) for redistributing the fluid that is obtained from said mixing chambers, means ( 5 a , 5 b ) for separating collecting and redistributing means and draw-off rails ( 6, 7 ) are arranged one above the other, and mixing chambers ( 11 a , 11 b ) are arranged on both sides of the rails and symmetrically relative to the orifices that have an injection function.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A process for separating at least one compound from a mixture or an element by adsorption, which comprises: 
       bringing a main fluid, containing at least one compound to be separated, into contact with an adsorbent, that is selected by a function of its ability to separate the compounds, and with at least two secondary fluids which are injected and/or extracted and  
       via a panel or DME, collecting, distributing, mixing or drawing-off several fluids, at least one main fluid and at least two secondary fluids,  
       said panel or DME comprising at least:  
       means for collecting a main fluid ( 3 ,  9 ),  
       at least two rails ( 6 ,  7 ) that allow the passage of secondary fluids,  
       at least two mixing chambers ( 11   a,    11   b ) that communicate with injection and/or draw-off rails ( 6 ,  7 ) with orifices or passages ( 6   i,    7   i ),  
       means for redistributing ( 12 ,  4 ) the fluid that is obtained from said mixing chambers,  
       means ( 5   a,    5   b ) for separating collecting and redistributing means, whereby rails ( 6 ,  7 ) comprise and upper rail ( 6 ) and a lower rail ( 7 ) arranged one above the other, and said mixing chambers are arranged on both sides of at least one of said rails.  
     
     
       2. The process of  claim 1 , wherein at least one fluid is injected in the most uniform manner possible into said at least two mixing chambers by passing through orifices ( 6   i,    7   i ) that have an injection function. 
     
     
       3. The process of  claim 2  which is for separating a feedstock by chromatography for fluids in a gaseous state, liquid state or supercritical state. 
     
     
       4. The process of  claim 2  separating paraxylene in a simulated moving bed. 
     
     
       5. The process of  claim 1 , wherein the fluids are grouped by injection and/or draw off function or by nature or by flow rate value. 
     
     
       6. The process of  claim 5  which is for separating a feedstock by chromatography for fluids in a gaseous state, liquid state or supercritical state. 
     
     
       7. The process of  claim 5  for separating paraxylene in a simulated moving bed. 
     
     
       8. The process of  claim 1  which is for separating a feedstock by chromatography for fluids in a gaseous state, liquid state or supercritical state. 
     
     
       9. The process of  claim 1  for separating paraxylene in a simulated moving bed.